Posted this on special EHU board but got no response so hoping someone here can help. I've got a proper EHU set up after reading much here, now off to France and want to know whatelse I need to hook up there and where to get 'it' from.
Can't say for sure, but I think the blue BS4343 outlet plug is the same on the continent. (It's not BS4343 now - it has a European number which I can't remember for the life of me!) - you should be able to confirm this quite easily, either thru the net or from a reputable retailer. If this is the case, you're good to go!
What I will say is that it's essential your EHU trips are DOUBLE POLE - ie. breaks live and neutral. This is because 220v European supplies are distributed 110v on the live, 110v on the neutral as opposed to UK 230v on the live, 0v on the neutral. So by having double pole isolation, you won't get a nasty tickle! And make sure your RCD works by giving it a functional check - ie press the TEST or 'T' button when connected to a supply - it MUST trip out. If it does not, check there is a supply to it and try it again. If it still doesn't trip, it is defective and MUST be replaced.
At some older sites in France you may need THIS . For all it costs it may prove to be inavaluable. In saying that, we have one but never needed it.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
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Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 17/6/2009
At some older sites in France you may need THIS . For all it costs it may prove to be inavaluable. In saying that, we have one but never needed it.
It's not just older sites you'll need this on - I find it is more of ten necessary than not. We have two, one of which is wired for reverse polarity and labelled as such. You should also buy a polarity tester.
Sorry nuttyboy most of that went over my head. We have a Sunnflair Mains 240V Hookup MA5050 with built in RCD but I don't know if it is 'DOUBLE POLE'. I understand what you are saying about charge on live and neutral in France compared to just live in UK. But I know nothing about reverse polarity. What do I have to do with one of these adapters to make it reverse polarity, swop some wires around? Sorry to be so dim
As blueexpo97 says, you may well need a continental adaptor. Watch out for reverse polarity over there. It renders the fuse useless in the event of an earth fault (assuming the circuit breaker does not work). Test with a socket tester & turn the French plug through 180 degrees to correct the problem, or reverse your L+N on your blue plug REMEMBER TO CHANGE IT BACK THOUGH.
But you would need plenty of air in your tanks for the dive to the EHU.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
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Topic: Electricity in France
